"Conjuntion Junction, what's your function?"

The Sun recently entered the sign of Virgo on August 23rd.  Jupiter also entered into Virgo on August 12th which means both are in the early degrees of Virgo.  Each zodiac sign has 30 degrees and these two large fiery bodies are situated in the beginning degrees.  They will create a bonded force or merged effect as astrologers say “conjunction”.  As we may remember the School House Rock educational song “Conjunction Junction- what’s your function?” referring to “And, But and Or” which are connecting words that “join” two words.  In astrological terms it references the close proximity of two Planets as evidenced by gazing at the sky OR looking at an astrological chart, you will see them right next to each other.   This merged influence can be powerful and magnify the properties of each other.   When we are considering the Sun which is the gravitational force that all Planets rotate around and Jupiter which is the largest Planet in the solar system, this can be a “big day”.  If we break down the motivations of each body, we know that the Sun is life force energy, the planet that can be representative of our ego.  If we know nothing of astrology, we probably know our “sun” sign as it depicts the “I am”, the essence of our character, the part of us we “beam” or radiate out into our world.  It is yang, active, and expressive energy.    Jupiter is motivated by optimism and faith, our beliefs that pave the road for the higher mind and the greater meaning of life.  Where we find Jupiter in our chart can depict where we feel confident and buoyant, choosing to typically see the glass as “half full” rather than “half empty”.  If we deny or have issues embracing our Jupiter, it can be the area that we may underestimate ourselves which seeks to be healed and an area of strength in our lives.  It is like “Tigger” from Winnie the Pooh who is often boisterous and exuberant.   Known as the “Planet of Expansion” it can “inflate” whatever it touches.

When we combine the essence of Virgo, we are filled with images of the “virgin” or “purity” as the humble maiden who is driven to serve.  As it contemplates all the details and tasks at hand, it sees the potential for the diamond, if it will take the methodical steps to cut and polish the imperfections along the way.  It is rooted in the Earth and sees the mundane as a means to an end and not something to run away from but rather embrace as part of the journey.  It is aware of imperfections, ruled by Mercury, it can be a mental energy leading to worry and doubt if it does not keep “doing” what is necessary to produce a “harvest”. 

As all things astrology, there are other players in the mix.  Neptune, the god of dreams, visions and magic wants to be acknowledged for the infinite abyss of possibility in all that could unfold.  Rather than hold tightly to any “earthly” manifestations of fruition, the god of the Sea recommends floating along the tides noticing magic within and without all that emerges, the momentary unfolding of spontaneous creation.   The awareness of all that moves beyond that which one can concretely defend and to rather see the delusions that may exist in the pursuit of the notion of “perfection”.

Saturn, Father Time, who prefers we make use of” idle hands” acknowledging that mastery takes hard work and discipline, “side swipes” the merriment of the Sun and Jupiter’s grandiosity.  He advises  to remember there are deeper things going on below the surface as he “finishes business” in the realm of the soul and shadow, we can’t just take on a new service, health-kick or workout regime without learning from our past experiences that have brought wisdom.  

There is good support coming from the Moon today to be pragmatic and "stay on task" even when you might be challenged to drift or just inherently believe it will all magically come together without any effort.  There is power in releasing and allowing the alchemist's hands to work through all stages of the process.